I had no idea an ordinary housecat could get so fat. I leave food down for Pepper 24/7 and she only eats what she needs. She seems to be holding her weight at about 12 pounds or so. Of course, she only eats her dry cat food. I almost never let her eat my food–maybe a taste every now and again as a treat. And she never begs while I’m eating, either, because she knows she won’t get any.